Takeru says Rodtang rematch “will define my career” as he eyes ONE gold in farewell fight

Takeru headlines ONE Samurai 1, which goes down on April 29th. The legendary figure will have his swan song in a hugely exciting headlining attraction to cap off an incredible career. The Japanese superstar will be the partisan favorite as he takes on former foe Rodtang for the interim flyweight kickboxing crown in this Tokyo-based rematch.

This farewell fight for Takeru emanates from Ariake Arena and will also broadcast on the iconic legacy TV station , Fuji TV. When touching on all the major aforementioned tendrils of the narrative leading into this final fight, Takeru said [via Bowks Talking Bouts],

“Well, I think that I’m in a sort of a situation where the farewell fight, the retirement fight can be taken in the best condition in terms of hype. So I’m very happy.”

Consider Rodtang’s pugilistic pedigree as well as Takeru’s personal history with the Muay Thai great, when asked if a victory here would amount to the biggest win of his combative career, Takeru stated [via Bowks Talking Bouts],

“Well, I think this fight will define my career. This is the finale of my career as a fighter. So by winning against Rodtang and winning the belt will be the completion of my career.”

Considering some of the peripheral noise with Rodtang and the contractual dynamic piece where it seems like the company’s not talking about that in depth as such. When asked if he feels like that discussion piece is in a way taking away from the fact that this is his farewell fight and having the requisite attention on that aspect of this matchup, Takeru quipped [via Bowks Talking Bouts],

“Yeah, truly I don’t care about those at all.”

Takeru mentions capstone achievement in legendary kickboxing career ahead of ONE Samurai 1

Takeru has quite the fight sport ledger with wins over the likes of Taiga and Petchdam. As he’s in a presumably reflective state and looking at the broader run of his career, when describing that personal high water mark moment through his kickboxing endeavours, Takeru stated [via Bowks Talking Bouts],

Okay. So one that stands out is when I first got the K1 belt. That’s the one.”

There was just a headline from Yahoo Sports that says Takeru promised a storybook ending against Rodtang in the rematch here. When asked what does that storybook ending ultimately look like for him here, Takeru quipped [via Bowks Talking Bouts],

“Oh really the story how it should be concluded is to become the best in the world and become a champion.”

When offering up his final thoughts as the BTB interview was wrapping up, Takeru said [via Bowks Talking Bouts],

“Well, just winning the fight and getting the belt and then make the retirement is what I think. Thank you.”